Maui Police Conduct DUI Crackdown, Aug. 15 to Sept. 1

Photo collage by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

Maui police will increase drunk-driving enforcement efforts during a national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign which runs from Aug. 15 to Sept. 1.

As part of the campaign, Maui police will be setting up unannounced intoxication checkpoints throughout Maui County, including saturation patrols that use unmarked patrol vehicles, according to Nick Krau with the department’s DUI Task Force.

“We are sending a message and we want the people of Maui County to know the Maui Police Department does not tolerate impaired driving. Impaired driving is reckless and preventable, and it’s our job to get that point across. No excuses, no warnings. If drivers are caught driving impaired, they will be arrested,” said Krau.

During the same campaign conducted last year, a total of 60 DUI arrests were made during a two-week crackdown.

Department officials say more than 10,000 people are killed in alcohol impaired driving crashes each year in the US.

The police department issued a list of tips on how the public can help by: planning a safe way home before starting festivities; designating a sober driver before drinking; take a taxi or call a sober friend or family member if you’ve been drinking; and call the police department if you see an impaired driver on the road; if you know someone who is about to drive while impaired, take their keys, and help to make other arrangements to get them home safe.